The brother of China’s Olympic diving queen Quan Hongchan has revealed that he has turned down US$28 million in contracts to focus on helping farmers. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Xinhua/QQ.com/Douyin
BEIJING (SCMP): The brother of Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, Quan Jinhua has revealed that he has turned down multiple contracts from companies offering up to 200 million yuan (US$27 million).
Quan Jinhua also emphasised that he is dedicated to supporting farmers by continuing his e-commerce business.
Following his sister’s sporting success, including two gold medals in the individual 10 metre platform event and 10 metre synchronized platform at the 2024 Paris Olympics, there has been increased public scrutiny of her family.
Her older brother, Quan Jinhua, 22, faced significant criticism for allegedly exploiting his sister’s fame to support his livestreaming ecommerce business.
Born and raised in a rural village in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, southern China, Quan Jinhua once worked as a chef in Shanghai before returning home in May 2020 due to his parents’ deteriorating health.
Knowing his onions: Quan Jinhua sells farm produce during live streaming sessions. -- Photo: Baidu
He began documenting rural life and, by November 2020, had begun selling local fruits on short video platforms.
In 2021, following his sister Quan Hongchan’s triumph at the Tokyo Olympics, media attention and public affection surged, prompting him to expand into e-commerce livestreaming due to the increased traffic.
He not only works for his own business but also helps fellow villagers sell their agricultural products.
In 2024, he promoted local agricultural products, such as Maoming lychees and Zhanjiang sweet potatoes, and extended his efforts nationwide, once helping farmers sell more than 20,000 kilograms of raisins, walnuts, and nuts from Turpan in Xinjiang in northern China.
In a recent interview with Phoenix Weekly, Jinhua disclosed that several Multi Channel Network (MCN) companies had approached him with substantial signing bonuses, all of which he declined.
“Multiple MCN companies once offered me signing bonuses ranging from tens of millions to as much as 100 million or 200 million yuan (US$14 million or US$27 million).
“For a 22-year-old, these offers are incredibly tempting. But accepting them would mean losing my independence. Even when someone hands you a pie, you have to consider if it might be poisoned,” he said.
Quan carries water melon with his sister Quan Hongchan outside their family home. -- Photo: Weibo
He also addressed misconceptions regarding his family’s wealth.
“People assume we are wealthy, living in villas and driving luxury cars. However, our lifestyle has not really changed. I am still traveling around the country engaging in e-commerce to support farmers.
“We do not want to rely on my sister’s achievements to sustain us. She has earned her glory, but that does not mean our family stops progressing,” he added.
In August, Quan Jinhua posted a heartfelt video online titled “A Letter to Quan Hongchan”, in which he shared a tender message with his sister.
“You do not always have to be so mature. I just want to say, you’ve worked so hard,” he said.
On August 6, Quan Jinhua also surprised his sister by showing up at the Paris Olympics women’s 10 meter platform final, where she won gold and became the youngest Triple Gold Champion in Chinese Olympic history at just 17 years old.
He has won widespread support from netizens in China.
One person said: “Thankfully, you have stayed clear-headed and have not been blinded by money.”
“Focus on what you are doing. We are here to support you,” said another. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
